The Chicago White Sox have made a significant roster move this morning, parting ways with infielder Brandon Drury. Drury, who was facing a critical juncture as an Article XX(B) free agent, had the opportunity to opt out and seek employment elsewhere if he wasn’t added to the team’s 40-man roster before the upcoming weekend. Unfortunately, he recently suffered a thumb fracture, which will sideline him at the beginning of the season, complicating both his situation and the White Sox’s plans.
At 32 years old, Drury faced a challenging 2023 season with the Los Angeles Angels, where he struggled significantly at the plate, hitting just .169/.242/.228 over 97 games. This disappointing performance led him to sign a minor league deal with the White Sox last month, which seemed promising after a spring in which he showcased his potential, racking up an impressive .410/.439/.821 slash line over 41 plate appearances. He appeared to be a strong candidate for the Opening Day roster until his unfortunate thumb injury derailed those plans.
The White Sox now find themselves navigating this unexpected vacancy in their infield. In Drury’s absence, they’ll likely look to several players to fill the gap, including Lenyn Sosa, Josh Rojas, Nick Maton, and Jacob Amaya. Additionally, top prospect Colson Montgomery could emerge as a potential contender for playing time later in the season, adding further intrigue to Chicago’s infield dynamics.
As for Drury, his impressive spring performance could make him a sought-after commodity in free agency, even with the thumb injury. Before his tough 2024 campaign, he demonstrated his batting prowess over a three-season stretch with the Mets, Reds, Padres, and Angels, boasting a .263/.313/.493 line with a wRC+ of 118 in 314 games. This track record underscores his potential to provide above-average offensive support and versatility at second or third base when healthy.
Looking ahead, several teams could potentially benefit from Drury’s skill set. The Milwaukee Brewers are in need of third-base reinforcements, while the Houston Astros could use some depth in the keystone position after shifting Jose Altuve to left field. Additionally, the New York Yankees are actively seeking upgrades to their infield, and both the Mets and Twins are currently dealing with injuries to key infielders. Given these circumstances, there likely will be no shortage of interest in Drury, especially if he opts to take on another non-roster deal that offers him the chance to work his way back into the lineup, potentially leading to an exciting bounce-back season in 2025 once his thumb heals.
